South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg goes on trial Thursday in Sixth Circuit Court. The two-day trial takes place at the Stanley County Courthouse in Fort Pierre. 

The Attorney General faces three Class 2 misdemeanors for his role in the death of 55-year-old Joseph Boever on September 12th last year.  

Ravnsborg was driving to his home in Pierre after attending a Republican fundraiser in Redfield earlier in the night. His car struck Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of Highway 14 in Hyde County.  

Ravnsborg called 911 and reported hitting a deer, and Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek responded to the scene. He and Ravnsborg searched the area, but they didn’t find Boever’s body in the ditch until the following day. 

After an extensive investigation by out-of-state law officers, Ravnsborg was charged with using an electronic device while driving, illegal lane change, and careless driving. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Ravnsborg is represented by Rapid City lawyer Tim Rensch. Hyde County State’s Attorney Emily Sovell is the prosecutor. 

Ravnsborg has opted for a court trial rather than a jury trial. Retired Sixth Circuit Judge John Brown is hearing the case, scheduled to end on Friday.